From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters and sitcoms....

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

The Hero's Journey:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

and more...

EXAMPLE: Desperate Housewives Episode 02.04 My Heart belongs to Daddy - Hero's Journey [basic deconstruction]

FADE IN

A story [opening catch and resolution]: the inmates make the lawyer apologise to Gabrielle.

Credits

B story: Lynette feels she's missing out on her son's growing up.

C story: Susan and Mike decide they don't have to be naked anymore.

Call to Adventure

A story: Gabrielle wants to get laid.

D story: George wants to kiss Brie.

B story: Lynette tries to take her son to get some doughnuts.

Belly of the Whale

D story: Brie wants Andrew to get to know George at dinner.

C story: Edie sends out an email that Zach is Mike's son.

Trials and Transformation

A story: the lawyer is attracted to Gabrielle.

B story: Lynette told that her son is suffering emotional trauma.

Atonement with the Father

D story: Andrew and George at dinner.

A story: the lawyer hits on Gabrielle.

C story: Susan sees Zach in the park.

Apotheosis

C story: Susan persuaded to bring Zach back home.

B story: Tom advises Lynette to start hugging.

Refusal

B story: Parker refuses a hug.

D story: Brie tells George she has to stop seeing him.

Freedom to Live / Set up Continuation:

A story: Gabrielle gets a conjugal visit.

C story: Susan sends Zach to Utah.

B story: Lynette throws Mrs Mulberry / the umbrella away.

D story: George gives Brie a kiss and Andrew attacks him.

FADE OUT:

D story: Andrew sent away.

A story: Carlos touches the baby.

C story: Mike finds a flyer.

B story: Lynette feels guilty for killing Parker's imaginary friend.

Learn more…

The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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